auto complete (Excel XP-SP2)

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I am using Excel as a flat-file database. In most of the columns, if I start to enter the same text as has previously been entered in that column, the entire string is shown (highlighted); just hitting the Tab key to move to the next column/field enters the full text where it belongs. But… I have some columns where this doesn’t work. I’ve gone to Tools/Options/Enable auto complete — the box is checked. I’ve tried to uncheck the box, close the dialog box, go back and recheck Enable auto complete (with and without the entire spreadsheet selected) and it still doesn’t work in those “resistant” columns. I’ve checked to see if somehow they’ve been filled with blanks (space bar entry) but no joy. What now?

Thanks

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Does MSKB article XL: AutoComplete May Not Work throw any light on the problem?

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Hans — many thanks for the reference to the MSKB — it did indeed help. I may need to insert a blank row so that it doesn’t look like I have a header row, and then maybe it will work. I’ll check it out.

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Another way to get a list of possible entries for the cell is to type the first couple of characters, and then press ALT + the down arrow. This is not quite the “Autocomplete”, but it will allow you to complete the entry faster…if the problem persists!

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Joyce:

Another alternative is to right-click in the cell and choose ‘Pick from list’, which gives you the list of existing entries to choose from.

Tony

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Yes, that is true…however, you need to transfer your hands to the mouse to do that… too much effort

Joyce is not on the board currently! I hope this advice will be useful if Hans’s link does not solve her problem!

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Rudi and all — Many thanks for all the suggestions. I LOVE this lounge — people are really helpful.

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Hi Joyce

Go to the cell below and press CTRL + D and see if that works.

Braddy

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